The Friday Reporter

This week on The Friday Reporter, Washington Post congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor joins the show to share insights from the frontlines of Capitol Hill. With a keen eye for nuance and a deep understanding of political personalities, Marianna discusses what it's like to cover the most powerful — and unpredictable — branch of government. From leadership showdowns to behind-the-scenes dynamics, she breaks down how the Hill really works, how she approaches sourcing and the durability of her stories over time.

Tune in for a smart, behind-the-curtain conversation with one of the Hill’s most trusted voices.

This week on The Friday Reporter, I'm joined by Laura Vanderkam — author, speaker, and expert on time management and productivity. Laura has built a career helping people rethink how they spend their hours, showing that even the busiest among us have more time than we think.

In our conversation, Laura shares insights from her bestselling books, lessons from her research on how high achievers structure their days and practical tips we can all use to reclaim time for what matters most. We also dive into the rhythms of creative work, why tracking your time is a game-changer and how small shifts can lead to big results.

If you're feeling stretched thin or looking for new ways to find focus in a busy world, this episode is for you.

Listen in for strategies to not just survive the week — but truly thrive.

This week on In the Lobby, I’m joined by Cori Kramer, Executive Director of Center Forward — an organization dedicated to bringing people together across the political spectrum to find common-sense solutions.

Cori shares her perspective on why the political middle matters now more than ever, how Center Forward works to build coalitions around practical policy goals, and what it’s like to navigate an increasingly polarized environment.

We also talk about her path to leadership, the lessons she's learned from Capitol Hill to coalition-building, and the role of patience, persistence, and pragmatism in public affairs today.

It’s a refreshing and insightful conversation about the power of finding common ground — and why the center still has a vital role to play in Washington.

🎧 Tune in to hear more about Cori’s work and the importance of pragmatic leadership in today’s political climate.

#InTheLobby #PublicAffairs #Bipartisanship #Leadership #CenterForward

This week on The Friday Reporter, Lisa welcomes Kristin Wilson of ROKK Solutions — a veteran journalist turned strategic communicator with a knack for telling it like it is.

Kristin shares behind-the-scenes stories from her years as a producer and correspondent, including what it’s really like to chase news on Capitol Hill, why great writing is non-negotiable in media, and how producers shape the stories we see every day.

She’s also the first-ever guest to drop a curse word on the podcast — but only after politely asking for permission. And don’t miss her unforgettable tale about the White House Correspondents Dinner, just in time for this weekend’s festivities.

🎧 Smart, funny, and full of media wisdom — this episode is a must-listen.

This week, we step In The Lobby with Brenda Becker, Senior Vice President of Global Government Affairs at Boston Scientific. With a career that spans state government, the private sector and the White House, Brenda brings a wealth of experience—and a heart rooted in Midwest values.

In this conversation, Brenda reflects on the power of mentorship, something she’s keenly known for across this town and the entire advocacy community. Whether it’s guiding young professionals or offering seasoned advice to peers, her thoughtful, inclusive approach is a hallmark of her leadership.

Brenda’s story is a masterclass in public affairs—and in paying it forward.

This week on The Friday Reporter, I’m joined by Frank Maisano—seasoned communicator, energy policy expert, and Senior Principal at Bracewell LLP. Frank is widely known for his must-read weekly email newsletter, which he’s been publishing for decades—delivering sharp insights and updates that anyone in the energy space can’t afford to miss.

In our conversation, we dive into:

* How energy and environmental issues are communicated in today’s fast-paced media landscape

* Why experience, relationships, and a steady hand still matter in Washington

* And how his longtime role as a field and ice hockey referee mirrors the work he does managing competing interests, enforcing fairness and keeping the game moving in both politics and policy

Frank’s unmatched perspective, deep industry knowledge, and good humor make this episode a standout—especially for those navigating the complex world of public affairs.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

In this special live episode of The Friday Reporter, I’m joined by two powerhouse communicators from ROKK Solutions — Annie Clark and Kristin Hawn — for a dynamic, bipartisan conversation about the world of political communications. We dive into the unique paths that led them to ROKK, reflect on the growing influence of women in the field, and share some laughs over the early days on Capitol Hill — including the all-important group house experience every young staffer knows too well.

With our very first live audience in the room, the energy is high and the questions are even better. Tune in for candid insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a celebration of collaboration across the aisle.

**Special credit to Erickson Foster at ROKK Solutions for filming, editing and producing.

In this episode of The Friday Reporter, I sit down with Katie Harbath, founder of Anchor Change and a leading voice in the intersection of tech, policy, and democracy. With extensive experience at Facebook and a deep understanding of global electoral processes, Katie shares insights into the evolving role of social media in political discourse and what it means for democracy around the world.

From her work advising platforms and governments to her thoughts on safeguarding elections in the digital age, Katie offers valuable takeaways for policymakers, journalists, and anyone curious about the future of information integrity. Tune in to hear her unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the digital landscape in 2024 and beyond.

Key Highlights:

* Katie's background and her journey from Facebook to founding Anchor Change

* Insights on how social media has reshaped political campaigns and voter engagement

* Strategies for combating misinformation and ensuring election integrity

* The evolving role of tech platforms in global democracies

Whether you're a public affairs professional, policy enthusiast, or simply passionate about democracy, this episode is packed with thought-provoking insights you won't want to miss.

In this episode of The Friday Reporter’s In the Lobby, I sit down with Vanessa Le and Michael Sorensen of DLA Piper to discuss their journeys from serving as U.S. Senate staffers to successful careers in lobbying.

Vanessa and Michael share insights into the unique skill sets that Senate staffers develop, including deep policy expertise, strategic communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex legislative processes. They discuss how these skills translate seamlessly into the world of advocacy and client representation.

Key topics include:

* The pivotal moments that inspired their transitions from public service to lobbying

* How their experience on Capitol Hill informs their work with clients today

* The value of bipartisan relationship-building and maintaining credibility in advocacy

* Tips for those considering a move from legislative roles to private sector advocacy

Vanessa and Michael also highlight the critical role DLA Piper plays in helping clients engage with policymakers effectively, drawing on their extensive backgrounds in government affairs.

Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with practical advice, memorable stories, and thoughtful reflections on the evolving landscape of lobbying in Washington, D.C.

In this episode of The Friday Reporter, I sit down with my friend Rana Abtar, a distinguished journalist with Asharq News. With a rich background in political reporting and a unique lens on international affairs, Rana brings invaluable insights into the world of journalism, diplomacy, and cross-cultural storytelling.

We discuss Rana's path to becoming a prominent voice in media, her experiences covering U.S. politics for an Arabic-speaking audience, and the nuances of translating complex political developments for global viewers. From navigating cultural differences to ensuring accurate reporting in a fast-paced environment, Rana shares the challenges and triumphs of her career.

Tune in to hear Rana's thoughts on the evolving media landscape, the role of international media in American politics, and the vital importance of bridging cultural divides through storytelling.

Key Highlights:

* Rana's journey into journalism and her role at Asharq News

* The art of covering U.S. politics for an international audience

* How language and cultural context shape media narratives

* Tips for aspiring journalists navigating a global news environment

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Rana Abtar, where we explore the power of journalism in connecting communities and fostering understanding.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!